HortResearch is surprised that protesters feel a need to target the Kerikeri Research Centre with a weekend long protest
against a small trial of transgenic tamarillos. Protesters often assert that more research is needed into the effects of
genetic modification, yet at the same time they are attempting to stop research that will further advance knowledge in
this area.
"HortResearch has followed all safety and other protocols required by the regulatory bodies " HortResearch Scientist Dan
Cohen said.
"Success in overcoming the mosaic virus would remove a significant barrier to tamarillo exports and open the way for a
major export business for Northland," Dr Cohen said.
The transgenic tamarillo trial at Kerikeri is being grown under strict rules. It was started in January 1998, which was
pre the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA), though ERMA has since been involved in an inspection of the
site.
Over a period of 20 years several attempts were made to obtain protection for tamarillos against the mosaic virus. None
were successful and the mosaic virus continues to be a barrier to tamarillo exports.
Now using a transgenic approach it has been possible to insert a small part of the virus that infects most tamarillos
into tamarillo plants. This is very similar to immunisation. The resulting trees proved to be resistant to virus
infection in the laboratory and in controlled glasshouses.
After several years of laboratory tests, an application was made to test these plants in a contained field trial. And it
was only after rigorous examination, including detailed questions about the risk of cross-pollination, that approval was
granted. This trial is to see if the trees remain virus free in a natural environment. So far the tests are very
encouraging.
The Tamarillo Growers Association have given strong encouragement to this trial, and Bruce Mulligan, Chairman of the
Association said that anyone currently eating tamarillos is also consuming relatively large amounts of viral genes.
"The development of a virus-resistant tamarillo would be mutually beneficial, and also has the potential to reduce
pesticide use, a widely accepted high priority to growers" he said.
ends